New Delhi, Jan. 28: The Indo-Canadian relations have run into further difficulties following the cancellation of the export licences for shipment of nuclear equipment which have remained only suspended after the peaceful Indian nuclear test explosion.
During the recent talks in Delhi, India was given to understand that Canada had merely suspended its nuclear co-operation pending detailed discussions between the two countries on the scope, purpose and implications of the Indian nuclear programme.
The Government of India feels that the abrupt cancellation of the suspended export licences was contrary to the spirit of this assurance. The Canadian Government has taken this unilateral action for whatever reason, before the conclusion of the current series of discussions on the subject. The fact that the ban can be lifted later on, if the two countries are able to arrive at a mutually satisfactory agreement on new safeguard procedures, does not make matters any easier, in India’s view, for settling these differences consistent with their respective positions.
The Canadian Prime Minister sent his Political Adviser, Mr. Ivan Head, to Delhi recently for exploratory talks to narrow down the differences and prepare the ground for a negotiated settlement. The two sides embarked on this dialogue, in continuation of the exchanges that had already taken place at the first meeting in Ottawa, with the clear understanding that these talks were more in the nature of friendly discussions than formal negotiations.
Published – January 29, 2025 03:50 am IST
